But while England look set to opt for a physical approach through their heavyweight pack, Wales know they must fizz and sparkle with a thrilling emphasis on all-out attack that lit up last season's tournament.

England, despite Wales going into battle as Grand Slam champions, are the favourites.

Such status is based on England having reeled off eight successive Twickenham victories against Wales since losing 11-3 in 1988, while Mike Ruddock has lost numerous players through a combination of injuries and suspension.

The absentee list reads like a modern-day who's who of Welsh rugby, with British & Irish Lions Gavin Henson, Ryan Jones, Tom Shanklin and Brent Cockbain among those missing, and England must surely capitalise.

Their pack, apart from prop Matt Stevens replacing Phil Vickery and flanker Joe Worsley starting instead of Pat Sanderson, is the one that gave Australia and New Zealand such torrid examinations during the autumn.

And the forward battle is where England are expected to dominate as they target a winning start ahead of successive RBS 6 Nations trips to Rome and Edinburgh.

England have struggled in the last two RBS 6 Nations campaigns, finishing third and fourth respectively, while only winning five out of 10 games.

But they will be determined to send Wales packing on an afternoon when World Cup hero Lawrence Dallaglio should make his England return off the replacement's bench, some 17 months after retiring from Test rugby.